Opera in Vienna

One of the highlights in Vienna is seeing an opera performance at the State Opera House. Even if you're not into opera the interior of the building is worth seeing. It's in excellent condition and makes you feel as if you've stepped back in time into the gilded age. For a mere 3 EUR you can get standing room tickets and enjoy the show. There is a dress code however: don't wear shorts. And do wear comfortable shoes, the standing will wear you down. The State Opera House is located at the "Opera" U-Bahn (metro) station and there's an opera performance on nearly every night.

Old Town Square, Prague

It may be rammed with tourists (although not as many as Paris) but Prague is still definitely worth visiting. This image was captured inbetween massive tour groups walking past. The city was largely spared from bombing during WWII, making one of the best preserved medieval city centres in all of Europe. It's easy to wander around on your own but to get a good sense of history there are a couple of free walking tours available which meet by the astronomical clock. I went with the "yellow shirt" one and our guide was knowledgable, funny, and keen to show us the highlights of Prague. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and the guides work entirely on tips.

The astronomical clock (the tower on the left) does a little show every hour on the hour and lasts about 1.5 minutes. Personally, I thought it was a bit disappointing and not worth waiting for. Some figurines out of doors in the clock and someone plays a trumpet from the top of the tower. But if you happen to be near the clock on the hour then it's worth having a look.

Szechenyi Bath and Spa, Budapest

Szechenyi Bath and Spa in Budapest is the most amazing bath I've ever been to. It's build into a historic building and features a massive outdoor swimming pool and loads of different heated pools indoors. Going from bath to ice pool to sauna and back again is an invigorating and healing experience. It's hard to believe that after a whole day of lounging in the different spa pools I was knackered! The spa is located a few hundred metres beyond Heroes Square in the City Park and the entrance fee is 3400 HUF (~15 USD). If you spend the day here it's definitely worth the fee. For more info: http://www.szechenyibath.com/

Krakow's Market Square

Krakow's Market Square is the heart of the old city. Thankfully it wasn't destroyed by the Nazis during the war and today it's buzzing with tourists snapping photos and sipping coffee at the many outdoor cafes. Due to its tourist allure, you won't see many locals hanging out around here...

Tahiti on a Budget?

Tahiti conjures up images of azure seas and large expanses of coral and sealife. In one word: paradise. It's also quite remote and very expensive to reach, even if you live in New Zealand. And even after you've shelled out hundreds of US dollars for the return flight, the costs on the islands can be exorbitant. But according to Lonely Planet, it's possible to do French Polynesia on a budget. It's worth noting that the French Polynesian franc (XPF) is pegged to the euro at 1000 XPF = 8.38 EUR.

http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20120820-island-hopping-french-polynesia-without-breaking-the-bank

The "Is This Your Ring?" Scam in Paris

The approximate location where she tried to scam me.

If any Gypsy looking women come up to you holding a ring or jewelry that they magically found on the gruond and ask if it's yours...ignore them and walk away! Chances are that while you inspect the supposed "lost" property they'll pick your pockets clean. I was walking alone towards Les Invalides around 09:30 when a Gypsy lady walking towards me suddenly bent down within a metre of me and pretended to pick up a ring. Mind you, there wasn't anyone else around. She then walked towards me and tried to pretend like she suddenly found it but I just ignored her and walked on. Just 10 min earlier I saw a different lady try the same thing on someone else. 

The Traditional Cheese Market in Gouda

In Gouda, they still do things the old-fashioned way. Not only do the participants wear traditional outfits, they also do business the old way too through a process of negotiating while slapping each other's hands. I'm not sure what the history is behind the hand slapping but what I found most interesting is that they are actually doing business even though it all seems like a tourist gimmick.